Powerlifting family represent at Oceania Champs

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Powerlifting is a real family affair for the Hanara clan, with four members of the same family representing New Zealand at the upcoming Asia Oceania Championships.

Dad Dimi Hanara, his wife Jess, their son Ben and Dimi's brother Hamish will all compete next week in Christchurch at the biggest powerlifting event of the year, where some 500 lifters from 20 different nations will compete.

"Oh it's huge for our family, for anyone to represent their country is huge but to have four members of one family it's probably something that is unheard of," says Hamish Hanara.

Dimi and Jess are both New Zealand powerlifting champions and they inspired their 21-year-old son Ben to get involved with the sport too.

"It's cool to have Mum and Dad because they've done it before, represented New Zealand, so I can have someone to follow so I can have not just family but role models as well," says Ben.

The family train together when they can at the Hastings Fitness Centre in Hawkes Bay and hope to bring home the medals after next week's competition.